Team forfeits semi-final due to player shortage

Scunthorpe United and Spalding United played each other in the 2024 final

A football team has pulled out of a cup semi-final because it does not have enough available players.

Spalding United forfeited Tuesday's County Senior Cup match against Scunthorpe United, meaning Scunthorpe will automatically go through to the final.

The two teams played each other in the final last year, with The Iron taking home the trophy after a 3-2 win.

Spalding United manager Jimmy Dean, who was formally boss of Scunthorpe, said cancelling the game was "unfortunate" and he hoped the teams' paths would cross in the future.

Dean took over Scunthorpe United in 2023 after leaving National League North club Peterborough Sports, who won four promotions under him.

He joined The Tulips last year after his short stint at Scunthorpe.

Dean said playing on Tuesday would have been a "huge risk" to the team as they did not have enough fit players to make a full team.

The semi-final games were drawn in November last year, giving all clubs three months to arrange their fixtures.

The team tried to rearrange the fixture for March. However, competition rules meant the game had to be played before the end of February.

"That doesn't work for Scunthorpe United or the FA and we completely understand it," Dean said.

He added: "It would've been fantastic to see familiar faces from my old club."

A spokesperson from Lincolnshire FA said: "Whilst we are disappointed the fixture will not go ahead, we must accept their decision."

"We now look forward to the County Senior Cup Final, where Scunthorpe United will compete for the trophy."

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